PORTLAND – Martin Brochu’s time in Portland was relatively brief, but he certainly made the most of it.

The former Pirate goaltender, now playing for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, played 171 games with Portland over four seasons and became one of its most successful goaltenders.

He was inducted into the Portland Pirates Hall of Fame, joining fellow netminders like Olaf Kolzig and Byron Dafoe Saturday night.

“It’s a big honor,” said Brochu. “Seeing my name up there with all these great players, it’s something special. All my time here in Portland was really special. I really enjoyed my time here. We had good seasons with the team. We loved the city. So it’s a big honor.”

Brochu joined the club in the 1995-96 season and joined Ron Tugnutt in leading Portland through a surprising playoff run to the Calder Cup finals, losing to Rochester in Game 7, 2-1.

“That first year I came here late from Montreal,” said Brochu. “We went to the final, and we lost in the seventh game. That was special. We made a great run. We made the playoffs in the last couple of games, and we could have won the game. It was a 1-1 tie after the second period.”

Brochu’s last season as a Pirate was in 1999-2000. He was an AHL All-Star and was the league’s MVP and outstanding goaltender. He went 32-15-6 with a 2.18 goals against average, leading Portland to one of its best regular season in history. “That last year I had was pretty special, too,” said Brochu, who was a two-time AHL All-Star while with Portland. “I have to thank Glen Hanlon and Barry Trotz for what they did for me and giving me a chance. That last year we really special, being the MVP and having a great team and a great bunch of guys.”

Brochu finished his Pirates career holding just about every career goaltending record including games (171), wins (79), losses (58), ties (18), minutes (9,532) and saves (4,585). He is currently tied with Maxime Ouellet with 10 shutouts. His single season records include consecutive games (26), wins (32), consecutive wins (9), saves in a game (61) and lowest goals against (2.18).

He’s bounced around the AHL since leaving Portland. He’s played for Saint John and Manitoba. He spent last year overseas, playing eight games in Russia. He had a chance to play in Germany this year but jumped at the offer to sign with the Pittsburgh organization. Since his wife and daughter wanted to stay at their home in Montreal, it was an opportunity that better suited them.

Brochu was part of a crowded goaltending situation in Wilkes-Barre to start the year. Brochu got pulled in a 6-3 loss on opening night and then spent some time in the East Coast League.

“It’s been up and down,” said Brochu of his season. “I started the first game, and it didn’t go as well as I wanted. After that I ended up playing in the East Coast League. I think that was good for me because last year I didn’t play a lot of games when I was in Russia. I’m used to playing a lot of games and sitting on the bench is not something I’m used to.”

Brochu had gone 2-6-1 with a 2.68 goals against and .907 save percentage prior to Saturday night. He beat the Pirates for the second time this season with 29 saves in a 2-1 victory Saturday. He hopes to finish this season strong and see what offers may come his way for next season. “I’m on a one-year deal with Pittsburgh,” said Brochu. “Next year, I don’t know.”

Trade winds

The Washington Capitals owner, Ted Leonsis, told the Washington Post this week that he intends to spend the rest of the hockey season reevaluating the Capitals players, coaching staff and management. With Washington’s dismal season and substantial payroll, changes are likely to follow.

One possible scenario that could have implication in Portland is if the Capitals tried to reduce their payroll by trading Jaromir Jagr and/or Olaf Kolzig.

Washington would likely get young players who could end up in Portland. The trading of Kolzig could also effect the Pirates’ goaltending situation should Maxime Ouellet or Rastislav Stana earn playing time there.

The contracts for coach Glen Hanlon and general manager George McPhee both expire at the end of the season. Leonsis told the Post that he’s happy with Hanlon’s job performance since he took over after Bruce Cassidy was fired.

All-Star rosters

The AHL announced the rosters for the All-Star Classic teams to be played next month in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The only Pirate named was goaltender Rastislav Stana. He was selected for the Planet/USA squad. He becomes the fifth Pirate goaltender to play in the All-Star game, joining Jim Carey (1994-95), Brochu (1996-97 and 1999-2000), Robb Stauber (1996-97) and Maxime Ouellet (2002-2003).

Joining Stana on the Planet/USA team is former Pirate Matt Herr. The Canadian squad also has a link to the Pirates. Former forward Benoit Gratton, who missed last year’s game with an injury, was selected once again.

The All-Star Classic is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8 with the skill competition followed by the game on Monday, Feb. 9.

News and notes

* Washington assigned forward Boyd Gordon to Portland this weekend. He had just one goal and five assists with Washington in 40 games. Gordon was Washington’s first pick, 17th overall, in the 2002 draft.

* Portland also had Brian Sutherby returned but he may be out of the lineup indefinitely with a groin injury.

* Washington picked up former Pirate defenseman Todd Rohloff to bolster their defense.

* Former Pirates goaltender Ron Tugnutt was assigned to the AHL’s Utah.